Ecuador and Galápagos Islands Quito, Otavalo Valley, Galápagos Islands and Guayaquil 9 Days / 8 Nights

Transcription

1 CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA Ecuador and Galápagos Islands Quito, Otavalo Valley, Galápagos Islands and Guayaquil 9 Days / 8 Nights

2 Ecuador and Galápagos Islands 9 Days / 8 Nights Journey to Ecuador, an untouched corner of the world where you'll explore Amazon rainforests, ancient cities, the mysterious Galápagos Archipelago and more.

3 FLIGHT INFORMATION: Arrive: Quito International Airport (UIO) Return: Guayaquil International Airport (GYE) AGES: Minimum Age: 7 Suggested Age: 8+ MEALS: 8 Breakfasts 6 Lunches 7 Dinners ECUADOR AND GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 4-Night Galápagos Islands Cruise Explore the islands of this volcanic archipelago on a fun-filled 4 days on water and land. Rose Plantation Tour Scintillate your senses at this fragrant plantation filled with Ecuador s beautiful blooms. Quitsato Equator Sundial Track the movements of the heavens and tell time on this giant sundial located on the equator. Bartolomé Island Tour Experience magnificent views of the archipelago and Pinnacle Rock from atop this tiny island. Hiking & Snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands Discover natural terrain and exotic wildlife that call the tropical eco-system home. Genovesa Island Tour Wind your way up a trail of volcanic rock and steep steps for a spectacular view that s worth the effort. Las Bachas Tour Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and sea after an island tour of the magnificent white beach on Santa Cruz Island. San Cristóbal Island & Tortoise Breeding Center Tour Visit the tortoise breeding area and Galápagos Province capital. Buccaneer Cove Cliffs Have fun exploring the cliffs and natural rock formations, then hit the water for some snorkeling. Flute-making & Music Demonstration Make beautiful music and your own Andean flute with a local musical family. Puerto Egas Tour Swim with the marine turtles of Santiago Island before heading out on a walking tour of the island. Folk Dance Show Watch in awe as local dancers mesmerize you with traditional Ecuadorian folk dances and colorful costumes. Rábida Island Marine & Wildlife Tour Keep an eye out for sea lions, iguanas and other marine life on the island s red beach. Otavalo Market Barter with local sellers for vibrant woven textiles and local folk art at this bustling market. Parque Condor Get a first-hand look at how this refuge is trying to save the Andean condor from the brink of extinction.

4 DAY 1: Quito, Ecuador Meal(s) Included: None Accommodations JW Marriott Hotel Quito Arrive in Quito Welcome to Quito, also known as "The Center of the World"! Upon arrival at the Quito Airport, an Adventures by Disney representative meets you and escorts you to your awaiting transportation. Relax as the driver assists you with your luggage and drives you to the hotel. JW Marriott Hotel View magnificent, snow-capped volcanoes from this luxurious modern hotel located in the bustling capital of Ecuador. Sit back and stretch your legs while your Adventure Guides check you in. Dinner On Your Own Enjoy a family dinner on your own in the hotel. Or ask your Adventure Guide to recommend restaurants in Quito that would fit you and your family's needs.

5 DAY 2: Otavalo Valley, Ecuador Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations Puertolago Country Inn Welcome Breakfast at the Hotel Meet your fellow Adventurers and Adventure Guides at an exclusive breakfast at the hotel. Say Buenos días! as you get ready for a day of excitement. Quitsato Equator Sundial On a privately guided tour, visit this giant sundial with a diameter of ft. (54 m.). Placed precisely on the equator, it tells time by the shadows its gnomon casts. A local expert introduces you to the monument, its history and that of Quito, the city standing at the "Center of the World." Rose Plantation Tour Visit this fragrant plantation that grows colorful roses in greenhouses that stretch for many miles. With the perfect climate and humidity for growing roses and with fertile soil in the highlands region Ecuador now counts on roses as a major export. Lunch at a Hacienda Flute-Making and Music Demonstration Make a wooden Andean flute with the help of a famous musical family and take it home with you! Then enjoy a musical demonstration. Learn about the variety of pan flutes and other instruments that create the joyful music of Ecuador. Exclusive Weaving Demonstration Discover the art behind the woven handicrafts of Ecuador, world-famous for their bold colors and dazzling craftsmanship. Learn from expert artisans how diverse dyes are created and other age-old secrets of weaving. Welcome Greeting at the Puertolago Country Inn Be greeted by the inn's friendly staff. Learn about the fascinating history of the Andean Highlands as your Adventure Guides check you into this family-owned inn overlooking the Imbabura Volcano on the shore of San Pablo Lake. Savor a traditional lunch in a delightful local restaurant 17th-century Hacienda.

6 On Your Own Time at the Puertolago Country Inn Explore the beautiful gardens in this lakeside setting, surrounded by the striking landscape of Imbabura Volcano. Folk Dance Show Thrill to traditional Ecuadorian dancers in their brilliantly hued costumes as they entertain you with vibrant dancing and then draw you into the joyous swirl! Welcome Dinner at the Inn Welcome to the charming restaurant at the Puertolago Country Inn. Spend time with your fellow Adventurers as you dine on a meal featuring Ecuador's robust cuisine! Exclusive Disney Movie Night Junior Adventurers can enjoy a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks. Grown-ups are welcome to join in the fun. If you prefer, visit the games room or read a book by the fire.

7 DAY 3: Otavalo Valley, Ecuador Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations Puertolago Country Inn Breakfast at the Inn Have a leisurely breakfast at the inn before you board the motor coach heading to Parque Condor. Parque Condor and Kite-Flying Learn about the history and important work-in- progress at Parque Condor, a refuge devoted to saving the Andean condor from the threat of extinction. Afterward, if weather permits, join your Adventure Guides as you take a kite and fly it above the lush grasses that blanket the hillsides of Otavalo. On Your Own Time at the Puertolago Country Inn Rent a boat and either row, pedal or motor across the lake. Enjoy the tennis and volleyball courts and the games room with its pool table, card table and indoor football. Or relax in the reading room that contains daily papers and magazines. For the kids, there's a fun play area. Dinner at the Inn Relax with the other Adventurers while you share a meal and stories about your day of adventure. Lunch at a Hacienda Share stories about your morning's travels with your fellow Adventurers as you delight in a traditional lunch at a historic hacienda in Otavalo. Evening Activities at the Inn Play pool and other games in the game room. If you prefer, relax by the fire at this comfortable retreat. Otavalo Market Lose yourself in this magnificent market filled with vivid art and colorful woven textiles. Practice your bartering skills as you interact with the sellers and unearth great finds!

8 DAY 4: Galápagos Islands Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations Santa Cruz II Ship Fly to the Galápagos Islands Eat an early breakfast at the inn before your Adventure Guides take you to Quito International Airport for your flight to Baltra. Arrive at Baltra Airport Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! After arriving at Baltra Airport on the island of Baltra, take a motor coach to the Itabaca Channel and then board a small ferry that takes you to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, board a bus to the forested highlands of Santa Cruz Island where you will learn about the geology and biodiverse ecosystem of this mountainous region. Santa Cruz Island Las Bachas Take a privately guided tour of this glorious white beach on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Take this opportunity to get acquainted with snorkeling gear and techniques for an afternoon of fun in the sun! Welcome Cocktail & Dinner Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Join your fellow Adventurers for a welcome cocktail. Then, unwind in the dining room where you can swap stories while enjoying a satisfying meal. Welcome Briefing and Lunch Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard the ship before exploring Santa Cruz Island. Stargazing See the night sky like never before. Identify the stars that are often obscured by city lights from the deck of this exclusive ship anchored in the waters of the Galápagos Islands.

9 DAY 5: Galápagos Islands Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations Santa Cruz II Ship Breakfast Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and get ready for a day of adventure. Guided Tour of Buccaneer Cove After breakfast onboard, explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove and learn about the area's distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions and intertidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the "Elephant Rock", "The Bishop" and an impressive nature cave. This is a great site for snorkeling or a panga ride. Guided Tour of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island Once we disembark at the beach, enjoy a swim or snorkel amid a rocky shoreline usually in the company of marine turtles! From here, head off to your walk, which provides a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, you might see marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and a colony of fur-sea lions. Non-snorkelers can enjoy a longer walk. Dinner Onboard the Ship the Santa Cruz II Ship Join your fellow Adventurers for a fantastic family meal in the ship's dining room. Lunch Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Gather together onboard to dine on a delicious buffet lunch. Ship Activity Enjoy the game rooms and movie rooms on the ship.

10 DAY 6: Galápagos Islands Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations Santa Cruz II Ship Breakfast Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Fuel up for the adventure-filled day ahead. Guided Tour of Rábida Island Land on Rábida Island, with its red-colored beach caused by an unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material that forms it. As you walk along the beach, be on the lookout for sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. Also, visit a nearby salt pond that hosts migrating greater flamingos at certain times of the year. Enjoy snorkeling from this beach a great place both for beginners and experienced snorkelers to see underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers can enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat or a panga ride. And keep your eyes open when we navigate to the next island dolphins are often spotted along the way! Lunch Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Guided Tour of Bartolomé Island Begin with a wet landing on the golden beach of this famous island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy great snorkeling and swimming near the beach and take a wonderful ride in a glass bottom boat if you want. After returning to the Santa Cruz II ship, split into 2 groups. The first group takes a hike to this diminutive island's summit that boasts fantastic views of the archipelago. The climb is moderately steep but it's made easier with the help of a wooden staircase, resting platforms and handrails and the view from the top is worth the effort! The second group jumps on pangas to explore the rugged and volcanic shoreline. After you've finished your activity, change groups and experience how the other half lives! Dinner Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship After the day's adventures come to a close, adults can enjoy a dinner with other Adventurers while their kids participate in their own dining experience. This is a great chance to share not only a meal but also stories about your day's experiences. Take a break with your fellow Adventurers and enjoy lunch onboard.

11 Junior Adventurer Pizza Party Junior Adventurers can get acquainted as they devour pizza at a private party designed just for them. Disney Movie Night Relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers have fun watching a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks. Grownups can always join in the fun if they wish!

12 DAY 7: Galápagos Islands Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations Santa Cruz II Ship Breakfast Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Enjoy an early breakfast on the ship before your day of exploration begins. Guided Tour of Genovesa Island Prince Philip's Steps Disembark the Santa Cruz II at Prince Philip's Steps for a guided tour of this dramatic island. Panga-ride along the cliff paths and perhaps catch a glimpse of great frigate birds, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, storm petrels and more. Walk along a trail of volcanic rock and climb 90 feet (27.43 meters) on a series of steep steps along the rocky path carved directly into the island's volcanic walls for a magnificent view. Swim or snorkel in the bay as you like, with a chance to spot lots of fish, including hammerhead sharks. Lunch Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Relax with your fellow Adventurers over lunch and share stories of your adventure. Guided Tour of Darwin Bay Enjoy a privately guided tour of Genovesa Island. One of the best bird watching areas in the archipelago, it is home to thousands of birds including red-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, herons, finches, Galápagos doves, great frigate birds and Galápagos mockingbirds. In addition to birds, there are California sea lions, fiddler crabs and an occasional waved albatross or shark. Hike along the uneven lava terrain to get spectacular views. Swim and snorkel in the cool waters or else take a stroll along the beach or enjoy a panga ride. Dinner Onboard the Santa Cruz II Ship Savor this dinner prepared by the ship's chefs with your fellow Adventurers in the dining room. Exclusive Farewell to the Galápagos Islands Drink Gather with your fellow Adventurers for an exclusive farewell drink. Toast the times you've shared on this unforgettable journey into Darwin's paradise.

13 DAY 8: Guayaquil, Ecuador Meal(s) Included: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodations Hotel del Parque Disembark the Santa Cruz II After breakfast, say goodbye to the Santa Cruz II. Guided Tour of San Cristóbal Island and Tortoise Breeding Center If you like, after your last breakfast on the Santa Cruz II, you can enjoy a guided tour of San Cristóbal Island, which includes the capital of Galápagos Province, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Head over to Cerro Colorado and visit the forested breeding ground of giant tortoises. Learn about this endangered species and the programs in place that facilitate its promising recovery. On Your Own Lunch on San Cristóbal Island Enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian lunch at one of the fine restaurants on this island. Ask your Adventure Guides to recommend one that would best fit your family's tastes. Check-In at Hotel del Parque As your Adventure Guides check you into your hotel for the evening, make yourself at home in this sophisticated and secluded hotel that is steeped in Guayaquil's rich history. Exclusive Traditional Ecuadorian Musical Entertainment Before a festive dinner, enjoy traditional music and a folk dance performance as you celebrate the adventure of your trip. Toast your newfound friends and share the family memories you will cherish forever. Farewell Dinner in Guayaquil Dine with your fellow Adventurers at this final feast in Ecuador. Relive together the highlights of your fascinating trip. Journey to Guayaquil Take a plane from Baltra Airport to the vibrant city of Guayaquil on the mainland, the most populous city in Ecuador.

14 DAY 9: Guayaquil, Ecuador Meal(s) Included: Breakfast Accommodations None Breakfast at the Hotel Enjoy one final breakfast in Ecuador before your departure. Transfer to Guayaquil International Airport Board your pre-arranged transportation to Guayaquil International Airport and say adiós to Ecuador until you return again!

15 ECUADOR AND Galápagos ISLANDS TRIP TIPS PREPARING FOR YOUR ADVENTURE with your air carrier as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for current restrictions. Required Travel Documentation If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter Ecuador and return to the United States. U.S. passport holders traveling to Ecuador for 90 days or less for tourism or business purposes do not need visas. Your passport must be valid 6 months beyond your intended stay and have 1-2 blank pages remaining. Allow yourself sufficient time to have your application processed if you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport. Refer to the U.S. State Department for further details. As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from the passport. In addition, Guests 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate for information on documentation requirements. Passport/Visa Services You can apply for a passport and/or visa through CIBT, Inc., a third party travel document company servicing the travel industry (not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company). Learn more or call CIBT at (800) Be sure to mention Adventures by Disney, account #55134, for special pricing options. PLEASE NOTE: Additional charges will apply for telephone calls made to access CIBT specialists. What to Pack Please limit your baggage to one piece of luggage per person plus one carry-on. With frequent security changes, we recommend that you check Flights to and from the Galápagos Islands restrict each passenger to no more than 44 lbs. (20 kg.) of luggage. If you are taking a carry-on piece of luggage with you, it must weigh no more than 10 lbs. (4.5 kg.) and the dimensions cannot exceed 24 x 15.5 x 8 in (61 x 39 x 20 cm). Guests will be charged additional fees at the airport for overweight baggage. Since you will be visiting both the countryside and the rocky shores of the Galápagos Islands, attire for your adventure should be casual and comfortable, and you should bring at least one additional change of clothes per day. However, you may wish to don business casual attire for dinner on the ship. The following is a list of clothing and other items you may want to bring: Clothing T-shirts (short and long-sleeved) Collared shirts Jeans or long pants Casual dress/skirt (optional) Shorts Lightweight rain jacket Hat Swimsuits Close-toed shoes Sturdy-soled walking shoes Sandals

16 Long sleeve wetsuit (optional)*miscellaneous Passport Medication Camera/video camera Sunglasses Sunscreen Umbrella Binoculars Toiletries Insect repellant Weather The Ecuadorian highlands, including Quito, have a much cooler climate than the rest of the country. Although temperatures vary with altitude, the average summer temperature in Quito is about 61 F (16 C) and tends to be on the chilly side at night. The central valley is generally spring-like all year, with temperatures reaching no higher than 66 F (19 C). In the coastal regions and Galápagos islands, temperatures average between 70 and 83 F (21-28 C) year round with low rainfall that usually occurs during the months of January through April. The sea temperature averages 65 to 75 F (18-24 C), making swimming ideal in the afternoon. Short sleeve wetsuits are available aboard the ship when needed. You may also bring your own long sleeve wetsuit. Recommended Reading Longitude Books offers great books and maps to help you get the most of out of your travel. Discover a selection of informative reading material, prepared especially to enhance your Adventures by Disney vacation. The Adventures by Disney Vacation Protection Plan Protect your vacation investment with coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, reimbursement for trip baggage protection and 24-hour assistance. This inclusive Travel Insurance offered by Adventures by Disney is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and is as easy as a phone call to learn more about and then purchase. Get details about the Adventures by Disney Vacation Protection Plan. EN ROUTE Arrival/Departure Information Upon arrival at Quito International Airport (UIO), follow airport signage to the Immigration/Passport Control area. After having your passport examined and being presented with an Entry Registration document, follow airport signage directing you to the Baggage Claim area. Retrieve your luggage, go through Customs and then enter the main terminal. There, a representative holding an orange Adventures by Disney sign will assist you with your luggage and escort you to the pre-arranged ground transportation that will take you to your hotel. Note: Remember to secure the Entry Registration document as you depart the Immigration/Passport Control area. Each person traveling in your party will be required to present this document when returning to the airport to exit Ecuador, whether traveling home or to another country. On the final day of the adventure, you will fly out of the Guayaquil International Airport (GYE). You may depart no earlier than 6:00 AM. Please note: The hotel checkout time is 12:00 PM. DURING YOUR ADVENTURE Currency The unit of monetary currency is the U.S. dollar. In Quito, ATM machines are available and credit or debit cards are usually accepted. Since ATMs are scarce in Otavalo, the Galápagos and other regions, Guests should be sure to carry cash or credit cards. For cash, carry mostly $1, $5, and $10 bills, and make sure they are in good condition. Your Adventure Guides can help you with any currency issues or language barriers you may have. delays, medical protection,

17 Gratuities Adventure Guide Gratuities Gratuities for your Adventure Guides are not included. Based on the quality of service you have received, we suggest the following gratuity guidelines. Please note that this is for each member of your traveling party, for each Adventure Guide and for each day. Per Adult/Child/Per Adventure Guide/Per Day: $8 - $11 USD Example: For a 9-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity Per Guest/Per Adventure Guide is: $72 - $99 USD. For a family of 4 for a 9-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity Per Guest/Per Adventure Guide is: $288 - $396 USD. For 2 Adventure Guides, this is a total of $576 - $792 USD. The Adventure Guides gratuity can be paid in U.S dollars, local currency, travelers' checks or PayPal. Please check with your Adventure Guide if they accept PayPal.All Other Gratuities Gratuities have been taken care of on your behalf for all services included in the itinerary. There is no need for you to worry about tipping the bellmen, housekeepers, waiters, drivers and local experts. Transportation Adventures by Disney has arranged for all of your accommodation and transportation needs during your stay in Ecuador as specified in your trip itinerary. On this adventure, your group will travel by motor coach, airplane and yacht. If you choose to visit other sites on your own, hire a driver and car through the hotel. Please ask your Adventure Guide for any assistance regarding any transportation arrangements you may need. Language The primary language spoken in Ecuador is Spanish. You will also hear the indigenous language of Quechua in some areas. Your Adventure Guides can help you with any language issues that arise.

18 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I book my Adventures by Disney vacation? To book your vacation, please call our Reservation Center at (800) and speak with a Vacationista or contact your Travel Agent. If you are outside the U.S., please call (866) and speak with a Vacationista or contact your Travel Agent. cannot be combined with any other offer. Please contact a Vacationista at (800) for further information. How strenuous are the activities? This is an active journey that includes walking on uneven surfaces, up and down irregular stairs and on Which airport(s) do I fly into and out of? ARRIVAL: You will fly into Quito International Airport (UIO) on your arrival day. Your flight is expected to arrive no later than 11:30 PM. DEPARTURE: On the final day of the adventure, you will fly out of the Guayaquil International Airport (GYE). You may depart no earlier than 6:00 AM. Please note that hotel checkout time is 12:00 PM. Are transfers included if I arrive or depart from different locations or at different times from the itinerary? No. Transfers are only included from the specified arrival/departure airports and hotels. For Ecuador, transfers are included from the Quito International Airport (UIO) in Quito to the JW Marriott Hotel Quito on your arrival day. On your departure day, transfers are included from the Hotel del Parque back to the Guayaquil International Airport (GYE). Do I need vaccinations to travel to this country? cobblestone streets. Activities include snorkeling and hiking. Bear in mind that half of the trip is at altitudes between 8,000-12,000 feet (2,438-3,658 meters) above sea level. While nearly all of the trip's featured activities are gentle if enjoyed separately, the full range of activities requires a moderate amount of stamina in order to get the most out of your vacation. What ages are appropriate for this adventure? Due to restrictions with the Galápagos Islands portion of this adventure, children must be at least 6 years old at the time of travel on our Ecuador and Galápagos Islands trip. The minimum recommended age is 8 years old. This is based on several factors, such as flight time and jet lag, time zone differences in the destination, duration of the vacation, high altitude at the destination, extended hours of daily activity programming, number of internal transports between experiences, potential for extreme temperatures, and amount of physical activity (e.g., snorkeling, walking on uneven surfaces, up and down stairs, and cobblestone sidewalks). Because each child is different, call a Vacationista at (800) to discuss whether this is the right trip for your kids. If you are coming from the U.S., you are advised to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding travel. Your doctor or health care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting and planned activities. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check your local requirements on vaccinations for travel to Ecuador. Can I extend my vacation beyond the Adventures by Disney itinerary? What types of meals are served on this Adventures by Disney Trip? Typically, breakfast is served buffet style. Some lunches and dinners are also served buffet style, while others offer a limited-choice menu. Dinners and lunches usually include fish, meat, and pasta or rice entrées; soup and vegetables; and desserts and fruit along with a chance to try Ecuadorian specialties. While the menus have been planned to give you a taste of typical Ecuadorian Yes, you may stay in Ecuador before or after our itinerary. Extended stays are available at special rates if booked through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. in conjunction with a land package and

19 cuisine, they are always balanced with limited American fare. Given the nature of group travel, we regret that á la carte menu choices are not available. Children-friendly choices are available at all meals. Menu items are subject to change due to the availability and seasonality of foods. If you have any questions or concerns about dining at any time during your vacation, your Adventure Guides will be happy to assist you. Can you accommodate special dietary needs? Adventures by Disney will make a reasonable effort to accommodate some special dietary needs at no additional charge. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate all special dietary needs requested. Please contact a Vacationista at (800) in advance of your departure to advise us of your needs. Is this itinerary appropriate for travelers with special needs? Please note that this vacation includes activities that present certain challenges to Guests with special needs. Access to the Santa Cruz II ship is by steep stairs. Guest must be able to individually ascend and descend steep stairs in order to participate in this trip. Neither Adventures by Disney nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation vehicles. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and solely responsible for providing assistance. Contact your Vacationista at (800) to discuss your needs. Mainland Ecuador has very limited accessibility. The reduce the number of Adventure Guides to one, and to modify other services to accommodate a smaller group, if a minimum number of Guests is not reached. Similarly, we may marginally exceed the stated group's maximum size, if necessary to accommodate a family. Please also note that during certain holidays and peak periods, some activities may be disrupted or unavailable. None of these modifications or changes shall affect the land package price. We reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to its commencement for any reason, such as if there are too few Guests, or if the quality of the trip or the safety of the Guests would, in our opinion, be compromised, such as may result from unforeseen circumstances (acts of God) or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If we cancel your trip prior to its commencement because there are too few Guests: (i) We will attempt to rebook you on another departure of the same itinerary, subject to availability, and we will bear any reasonable airline rebooking charges; however, if we are unable to rebook you, we will issue a full refund of your land package price and plan (unless you have filed a claim); and (ii) if you booked airfare through us, we will issue a full refund of your airfare; and (iii) if you did not book airfare through us, we will reimburse you for your reasonable out-of-pocket (subject to proof) airline cancellation charges or, in the case of bookings using frequent flier miles, a reasonable cancellation service fee, provided you have exercised best efforts to mitigate such charges/fees; and (iv) the aforesaid payments and/or rebooking by us shall constitute a full settlement. ship that we will be traveling on to the Galápagos Islands and the Galápagos Islands themselves are not wheelchair accessible. What if Adventures by Disney cancels the adventure prior to departure? We will make every reasonable effort to operate vacations as advertised; however, we reserve the right to curtail or modify the itinerary, or to substitute activities, hotels, meals or transportation as we deem necessary. We further reserve the right to